According to published reports, John Ward, the University of Tennessee’s beloved “Voice of the Vols” for 34 seasons in basketball and 31 seasons in football, has passed away.

Ward, Wednesday after battling a lengthy illness. He was 87.

Ward’s death was announced in a statement by the Vol Network – “It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent.”

For parts of four decades, Ward was the radio liaison between the Vols and their rabid Big Orange Nation, and he captivated fans with his unmistakable crisp voice and signature calls — from “Give him six” after a Tennessee touchdown to “Bottom” when the Vols made a big shot in basketball.

His final football season behind the microphone was Tennessee’s 1998 national championship campaign, and he retired for good following the ensuing basketball season.

Ward never missed a game in more than 350 consecutive broadcasts.